Hurricane Maria a Category 5, Carolinas not in the clear

Hurricane Maria intensified into a potentially catastrophic Category 5 storm Monday as it surged toward islands in the eastern Caribbean, and forecasters warned it might become even stronger. (Sept. 18)
AP

Hurricane Maria strengthened to a Category 5 storm as it moved closer to Puerto Rico overnight. The powerful storm battered the island of Dominica overnight Monday with 160 mph sustained winds, according to the National Hurricane Center.

Maria is expected to reach Puerto Rico in the early morning on Wednesday.